Why is Windows Explorer Crashing?
Windows Explorer, the default file manager in Windows operating systems, is an essential tool for navigating and managing files and folders on your computer. However, many users have reported experiencing crashes with Windows Explorer, which can be frustrating and disrupt their workflow. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind the crashing of Windows Explorer and provide some solutions to help you resolve the issue.
1. Outdated or Corrupted System Files
One of the most common reasons for Windows Explorer crashing is outdated or corrupted system files. Over time, system files can become fragmented or damaged, leading to instability in the operating system. To address this issue, you can run the System File Checker (SFC) tool, which scans for and repairs corrupted system files.
To run the SFC tool, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the menu.
2. Type “sfc /scannow” in the command prompt or PowerShell window and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the tool will attempt to repair them automatically.
2. Conflicting Software
Another common cause of Windows Explorer crashes is conflicting software. Certain programs may interfere with the operation of Windows Explorer, leading to crashes. To identify and resolve this issue, you can try the following steps:
1. Temporarily disable or uninstall recently installed software.
2. Run the Windows System File Checker (SFC) tool as described above.
3. Perform a clean boot to determine if a specific program is causing the issue. To do this, follow these steps:
a. Press the Windows key + R, type “msconfig” in the Run dialog, and press Enter.
b. Go to the “Services” tab, check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box, and click “Disable all.”
c. Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
d. Disable all startup items and restart your computer.
e. If Windows Explorer does not crash during the clean boot, enable each startup item one by one until the crash resumes, which will help identify the conflicting program.
3. Insufficient System Resources
Running out of system resources, such as memory or disk space, can also cause Windows Explorer to crash. To ensure you have enough resources, try the following steps:
1. Check your system’s available memory by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting “System.”
2. If you have less than 4GB of RAM, consider upgrading your system’s memory.
3. Free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files or programs, or by using the built-in Disk Cleanup tool.
4. Outdated Drivers
Outdated or incompatible drivers can also cause Windows Explorer to crash. To resolve this issue, update your drivers by following these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager.”
2. Expand the “Display adapters,” “Network adapters,” or “Sound, video and game controllers” categories, depending on the drivers you need to update.
3. Right-click on the device and select “Update driver.”
4. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest drivers.
By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the reasons behind the crashing of Windows Explorer. If the issue persists, consider seeking assistance from Microsoft support or a professional technician.
